On Thursday, the homegrown Albuquerque business announced that it is expanding to a new warehouse facility at 2420 Comanche Road NE this May. “This is a big expansion for us,” said Allen Bassett, president of the company, which roasted 1 million pounds of coffee last year.

The business, which has grown from seven to 25 employees since the Bassett family acquired it seven years ago, is leaving its current 4,800-square-foot warehouse at 4431 Anaheim Ave. NE. Its new location in the Comanche Business Park is 11,340 square feet.

The move will allow the company to be more efficient and to expand its markets outside New Mexico. The company currently sells its product to Trader Joe’s stores nationwide, as well as select Costcosin New Mexico and Colorado.

On Thursday, the Bassett family hosted U.S. Senator Tom Udalland other guests for a tour of the old facility prior to the announcement. Udall hailed the family business for adding employment and highlighted that the company’s growth was fueled in part by U.S. Small Business Administration loans.

“First of all, this is a great example of enterprise in New Mexico,” said Udall. “They (the Bassetts) set the tone, in my opinion, for where small business is going to go.”

Udall is clearly a fan. He serves Piñon Coffee to constituents when they visit his office in Washington, D.C.

Cindy Bassett, who bought the business, credited most of the success to her sons, Allen and Kevin, who have grown the company at the wholesale level, opened a retail location and found the new site.

As its name implies, New Mexico Piñon Coffee incorporates piñon — adding in the nut itself or a custom, replica flavor — but it’s a subtle hint that Allen Bassett says helps combat the beans’ natural bitterness without turning off those who avoid flavors. Not that the company is averse to flavored coffee — it offers 46 of them, including its custom biscochito and Mexican spiced chocolate offerings.